A coalition of organizations and individuals will be taking to the streets, and to the courts, to demand police accountability for abuses that took place during the WTO protests last year. The December 1 Mass Filing Coalition will be marching to the City Clerk's office to submit claims filed by hundreds of people against the City of Seattle for damages arising from police actions during the protests. This action coincides with the week-long anniversary celebration of the mass protests that shut down the WTO.

The claims will play an important role in stemming the trend towards increased repression against activists and others who speak out against official policy. This strategy of filing individual claims for damages complements other legal actions to hold the city accountable on narrower issues, as in the case of the class action lawsuit filed this fall by Trial Lawyers for Public Justice.

That lawsuit was filed on behalf of the nearly 600 people arrested last year after the "no-protest zone" was implemented.

The December 1 Mass Filing Coalition has been gathering claims from people who suffered a variety of abuses at the hands of police units under the command of Mayor Paul Schell and Police Chief Norm Stamper. Some of the claimants were pepper-sprayed, tear-gassed, or arrested during the protests. Others were silenced or intimidated by the "no-protest zone" established by mayoral decree as tear gas filled downtown streets on the evening of November 30. Still others had their freedom of movement restricted due to their political beliefs, or their appearance. Many of the claimants live in the Puget sound region, but the Mass Filing Coalition notes that claims are welcome from anyone who was present during the protests.

"There are no small claims. If you feel like you were injured and the city caused it, you have a valid claim," said Erica Kay, a spokeswoman for the organization.

So far, only a handful of individuals have gone through the filing process to seek restitution for their injuries. Those who have done so have received settlement offers ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. This has led to assumptions by some that the City of Seattle recognizes the blatant illegality of these acts.

The December 1 Mass Filing Coalition will be holding a Legal Clinic to help people through the process of filing their claims, at Seattle University, Piggot Hall, Room 103, from 6-9 PM on Wednesday, November 29th.

For more information, please contact the Coalition at 632-1656, can@drizzle.com or http://www.seattlecan.org/can/claims.asp